The Government of West Bengal hosted an Investors’ Meet at Taj Bengal, Kolkata, on World Tourism Day 2026, highlighting investment opportunities across the state’s tourism sector. Held under the theme “From Intent to Investment”, the event announced investment commitments worth INR 12,534 crore, with projections of generating more than 22,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities across tourism-related sectors.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh, Minister of State for Tourism Purnima Chakraborty, Additional Chief Secretary Barun Kumar Roy, industrialist Harshvardhan Neotia and 36 other investors, alongside industry representatives and dignitaries. Discussions focused on tourism infrastructure, ease of doing business, investment opportunities and the state’s diverse destination offerings.
The announced commitments span hotels, business accommodation, tea tourism, resorts, heritage properties, leisure and wellness destinations. Participating business groups include Ambuja Neotia Group, Apeejay Surendra Group (The Park), KKG, EVARA Hospitality, MLA Group, Hilton & Beekay and Sonerio Hotels. Investments in North Bengal include proposals involving Luxmi Tea Co., BLG Group, L.R. Agro (ITC Mementos), Hurdeodass Co., Dzongri Properties, LBS Hotel & Resorts and Four Vedas Hotel & Resorts.
Additional projects from Sree Balaji Group, Tulsa Group, Pomesh Health Care, Bari Kothi Heritage Hotels, Satya Spa & Resorts and Hotel Sonar Bangla Group are expected to support heritage tourism, wellness and leisure development. During the meeting, state representatives highlighted the potential of West Bengal’s varied tourism destinations, including its cultural heritage, tea-growing regions and scenic landscapes, while discussing employment generation and opportunities for private-sector participation.
The Department of Tourism also announced plans to introduce a comprehensive digital agenda incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to improve destination management, expand international reach and enhance visitor experiences. Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh launched a bilingual digital platform and mobile application, intended to allow users to contact him directly, submit proposals and ideas, and lodge complaints. The initiatives were presented as part of the state’s broader approach to technology-enabled tourism development.
The government outlined its ambition to develop emerging destinations and niche tourism experiences while promoting sustainable infrastructure and greater private investment. The Investors’ Meet concluded with a call to industry stakeholders to explore opportunities across West Bengal, with the announced commitments and proposed digital initiatives forming part of the state’s efforts to expand tourism, attract investment and create employment.